“I want to do that.”
That’s what my daughter said when she overheard me talking about a 3-day, 100+ mile bikepacking trip through Missouri. I gently questioned if she knew what it would take.
Her answer? “I can do that.”
I wasn’t about to tell her she couldn’t.
So we began training—working our way up to a single 30-mile ride and a weekend of back-to-back 20-milers.
A few weeks ago, she surpassed them all!
Her longest day? 50 miles.
Her total? Just under 100.
And yes—she did it ALL in
@crocs 🐊
Fifteen weeks ago, this was just an idea—born from
@chanel_aawellness ’s vision, rooted in love and intention, nurtured by an incredible crew, and brought to life by a mixed group of men, women, and girls who showed up with heart, laughter, and unwavering support as we set out to bikepack the Katy Trail.
We caught a train to our start in Jefferson City, then rode to St. Charles—through Missouri’s heat and humidity, camping under the stars and pouring love into each other, mile after mile.
When her spirit was low, we lifted her up.
When her bags felt too heavy, someone took the weight. When the ride got hard, we reminded each other: “We can do hard things.”
To witness my daughter—and
@kellie_jae530 ’s daughters—push through, lead the way, and laugh through it all… it’s something I’ll carry forever. Each one had their own personal goals—and they blew right past them. Thank you to everyone who made this trip what it was: generous, hilarious, sacred, and strong.
Big love to
@bigsharkbicycleco 🦈 for making this moment possible—my daughter’s bike was specially ordered and added to their rental fleet just in time for this trip. Watching her ride it fully loaded for the first time was everything. 🚲💨💛
We came for the Katy Trail.
We left with something so much bigger. 💗
#Bikepacking #KatyTrail #Missouri #WeDoHardThings #GetOutside #RideYourBike #MoreGirlsOnBikes #motherdaughtertime #BlackGirlsDoBike #LeadByExample #ItTakesAVillage